How to Keep Fescue Grass from Browning

What You'll Need

Water

Hose

Lawn mower

Lawn mower bag

Fertilizer

What You'll Need

Water

Hose

Lawn mower

Lawn mower bag

Fertilizer

Fescue grass is mostly found in Europe and is a cool weather grass. It is known for having a deep and rich green color. In addition to its dark green color, fescue grass is very resilient. It is resistant to droughts, can grow easily in the shade and holds up well to areas of high traffic. Fescue grass is often found on golf courses, in many parks and used as lawn grass in the Southeastern and Midwestern United States. Fescue grass has flat leaves that are also wide. You will be able to find several variances of fescue grass including short, tall, coarse and turf. Fescue grass is often used in permanent pastures and meadows. You can grow fescue grass from sod for a quicker growth but it is also possible to grow it from seeds. Like most grass fescue grass can brown and the following article will show you how to prevent that from happening.

Step 1 – Planting

When you plant fescue grass is important to maintaining its green color and to prevent browning. Planting grass at the right time allows the grass roots to take hold in the ground. Always try to plant fescue grass in the spring starting in the middle of February to the middle of April. If you are further south you can plant in May. If you want to get an early jump on the growing process you can plant the seeds in September after the heat of summer passes. You will have a window up until the first frosts of November. When you plant the seeds you should always overseed to create a lush pasture of fescue grass. You should also overseed each year around the same time to continue the growing.

Step 2 – Watering

Fescue grass is a very thirsty variety and needs constant watering once the summer approaches. If your fescue grass is exposed to the sun most of the time you will need to water it more but this decreases if it is shaded. You will need to water it more in the summer and slowly decrease watering as cooler months come.

Step 3 – Mowing

Mowing your grass regularly helps to prevent browning and also helps the growing process. Fescue grass thrives when it is mowed. When you mow fescue grass always mow it with the blade of the lawn mower set to two inches. If the grass is cut too short it will brown easily and if it is left to grow too tall the root system can be weakened which can also lead to browning. Make sure you mow it with a lawnmower bag attachment as grass clippings can smother the living grass which can cause browning.

Step 4 – Fertilization

Fertilizer will help the fescue grass to grow strong and with a deep green color to its blades. Only use fertilizer that is slow releasing to allow for a gradual absorption. You should also only fertilize fescue grass in October, April and August.